by Mike Brehm, USA TODAY Sports

by Mike Brehm, USA TODAY Sports

Sidney Crosby's dominance for the first three-quarters of the season trumped his absence for the final quarter.

Crosby was voted a finalist for the Ted Lindsay, or most outstanding player as voted by players. Joining the Pittsburgh Penguins center were Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin and Tampa Bay Lightning winger Martin St. Louis.

Crosby's situation was a difficult one because he was leading the league in scoring with 56 points in 36 games when his jaw was broken by teammate Brooks Orpik's shot. His lead was so big that he wasn't passed until the final week of the season. But he did miss a significant chunk of the season.

The winner will be announced during the Stanley Cup Final.

A closer look at the finalists:

Crosby: He led the league in scoring average with 1.56 points a game. Despite his absence, he finished tied for third in points and second in assists. The Penguins were in the middle of a 15-game winning streak, with Crosby contributing 25 points, when he was hurt and went 8-4 afterward. He also had a plus 26 rating. Crosby won the award, then known as the Lester B. Pearson, in 2006-07.

Ovechkin:

His second-half surge helped the Capitals win the Southeast Division and gave him the goal-scoring title with 32. He also led the league with 16 power-play goals. Ovechkin won the award three consecutive years from 2007-10.

St. Louis: The 38-year-old became the oldest player to win the league scoring title with 60 points. He also led the league with 43 assists. He won the award in 2003-04.

The Hart Trophy (MVP to his team) finalists will be announced on Friday, but the Lindsay vote isn't always an indicator of who will win the Hart.

Over the past 10 seasons, the players and the Professional Hockey Writers Association have chosen a different top player five times.